#TN2023: “Best Of The City” – Knoxville
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As we inch closer to the start of the 2022 Fall football season, we dive back into our look at the top prospects from the biggest cities here in the great state of Tennessee! Today we look at the greater…
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Continue ReadingAs we inch closer to the start of the 2022 Fall football season, we dive back into our look at the top prospects from the biggest cities here in the great state of Tennessee!
Today we look at the greater Knoxville area and there are some legit college prospects listed below along with several under the radar talents that should be on the college radar very soon.
Offense
(QB) Jordyn Potts Jordyn Potts 6'0" | 190 lbs | QB Powell | 2023 State TN (6’0 190) – Powell
(QB) Charles Robinson Charles Robinson 6'1" | 165 lbs | QB Webb | 2023 TN , Jr (6’1 185) – Knox. Webb
(QB) Zach Lunsford Zach Lunsford 6'2" | 205 lbs | QB Alcoa | 2023 State TN (6’2 205) – Alcoa
(QB) Walker Martinez Walker Martinez 6'1" | 185 lbs | QB Anderson County | 2023 State TN (6’1 190) – Anderson Co.
(QB) Chandler Wilson Chandler Wilson 5'10" | 180 lbs | QB Carter | 2023 TN (5’10 185) – Carter
(QB) Cassen Huffaker Cassen Huffaker 6'2" | 190 lbs | QB Knox. Halls | 2023 TN (6’2 195) – Knox. Halls
(QB) Peyton Sharpe Peyton Sharpe 6'2" | 185 lbs | QB Oak Ridge | 2023 TN (6’3 185) – Oak Ridge
(QB) Jake Carson Jake Carson 6'6" | 220 lbs | QB Dobyns Bennett | 2023 TN (6’6 220) – Dobyns-Bennett
(QB) Matthew Clemmer Matthew Clemmer 6'5" | 210 lbs | QB Maryville | 2023 TN (6’5 205) – William Blount
(QB) Carson Jessie Carson Jessie 6'1" | 185 lbs | QB Knox. West | 2023 TN (6’1 185) – Knox. West
– This is one of the best crop of QB’s the greater Knoxville area has had in quite some time. While this group may not have multiple Power Five prospects listed above, it does have several guys who will be playing college ball very soon. Potts leads the way as the top signal caller from this region and polished passer that holds multiple FCS offers at the moment. His recruitment should see a spike after he performs in camps this summer as he is a sleeper D1 prospect; Robinson, Jr is one of the more underrated overall prospects in this state and someone that college coaches need to start paying attention to; Athletic guy with a powerful right arm, Robinson, Jr is another sleeper D1 prospect with tons of upside; Lunsford and Martinez are two talented passers that sit on that FCS fringe. Both have the traits to play on that FCS level but a big camp and fall Football season will be big towards getting them there.
Wilson is one of the leading returning passers from not just the East Tennessee region but also the entire state. He is a confident thrower that places the ball on time along with having the athleticism to tuck it and run; Huffaker and Sharpe are two intriguing talents that have college size and arm skills that can work on the collegiate level. Neither have received an offer yet but they have the upside to change that this Summer and Fall; Carson is a big dude with a big arm that should turn some heads this camp season; Clemmer and Jessie are two little known quarterbacks that have the chops to help push their teams to a playoff berth this season and push their recruiting stocks to another level.
(RB) DeSean Bishop DeSean Bishop 5'11" | 190 lbs | RB Karns | 2023 State TN (5’11 190) – Karns
(RB) Noah Vaughn Noah Vaughn 5'9" | 185 lbs | RB Maryville | 2023 State TN (5’9 185) – Maryville
(RB) Jai Hundley Jai Hundley 5'9" | 195 lbs | RB Oak Ridge | 2023 State TN (5’9 195) – Oak Ridge
(RB) Trevon Barfield Trevon Barfield 5'11" | 185 lbs | RB Station Camp | 2023 TN (5’11 185) – Knox. West
(RB/LB) Gavin Noe Gavin Noe 6'2" | 220 lbs | RB Anderson County | 2023 State TN (6’2 220) – Anderson Co.
(RB) Eli Hamilton Eli Hamilton 5'10" | 175 lbs | RB Knox. Catholic | 2023 TN (5’10 175) – Knox. Catholic
(RB) Elijah Gibbs Elijah Gibbs 5'9" | 175 lbs | RB Farragut | 2023 TN (5’8 175) – Farragut
(RB) Aidan Littles Aidan Littles 5'10" | 190 lbs | ATH Pigeon Forge | 2023 State TN (5’10 165) – Pigeon Forge
(RB) Markeyis Billingsley Markeyis Billingsley 5'10" | 210 lbs | RB Austin-East | 2023 TN (5’10 210) – Austin-East
– One of the top returning rushers in the entire nation is Bishop and he looks poised for another big year this Fall. Just recently, the Beavers star back named his Top 8 schools and could soon be ready to announce his college decision (He will be playing D1 ball); The top two ranked RB’s in this state come out East with Bishop at the top and Vaughn right behind him at number two. Vaughn is a well balanced back with speed and power and another future D1 guy with his best football days ahead of him; It took some time but recruiting has cranked up for Hundley and the Wildcats running back could be on the verge of breaking out into D1 status, especially if he camps and performs well over the next few months; Barfield is name sitting under the radar right now that has the talent to bust out into another level this coming season and push himself into the college game.
A two-way talent with size and a strong competitive nature is Noe and a guy that has seen a spike with his recruitment over these past few months. The Mavs senior backer has the upside and talent to excel on the next level at either running back or linebacker; Hamilton and Gibbs are two undersized backs that can produce at a high level for their respective teams. Both have the wiggle and vision to create havoc for opposing defenses while also doing well at catching the ball out of the backfield; Littles is an unknown talent that was and is a workhorse for his Tigers team. His college future rests on his performance this camp season and Fall football year; The Roadrunners of Austin-East is rebuilding their program currently and Billingsley is a good talent to build around. He is a power back that gives defenses a hard time as he is tough to bring down and will run you over if given the opportunity.
(WR) Ayden Greene Ayden Greene 6'3" | 185 lbs | WR Powell | 2023 State TN (6’3 190) – Powell
(WR) Adarius Redmond Adarius Redmond 6'2" | 185 lbs | WR Powell | 2023 State TN (6’2 185) – Powell
(WR) Bryson Vowell Bryson Vowell 6'4" | 190 lbs | WR Anderson Co. | 2023 State TN (6’4 190) – Anderson Co.
(WR) Marcellus Jackson Marcellus Jackson 5'9" | 155 lbs | WR Fulton | 2023 State TN (5’10 175) – Fulton
(WR) Kaleb Harper Kaleb Harper 5'9" | 160 lbs | WR Carter | 2023 TN (5’9 165) – Carter
(WR) Pierce Browning Pierce Browning 5'9" | 165 lbs | WR GCA | 2023 TN (5’9 170) – GCA
(WR) Nolan Faust Nolan Faust 5'10" | 165 lbs | WR Knox. Halls | 2023 TN (5’10 165) – Knox. Halls
(WR) Alden Addington Alden Addington 5'10" | 170 lbs | WR GCA | 2023 TN (5’10 170) – GCA
(WR) Colt Wynegar Colt Wynegar 6'4" | 175 lbs | WR Dobyns-Bennett | 2023 TN (6’4 180) – Dobyns-Bennett
– The Panthers of Powell have two of the best receivers and overall talents in-state for the ‘23 class with Greene and Redmond. Both these Power Five prospects present loads of talent and upside for the next level and Greene might be the best receiver of all wideouts in this state in due time; This offseason has been big thus far Vowell and his stock is steadily growing the more and more college coaches view his film and work with him in person. The Mavs star senior wideout has great size along with a nice vert and the ability to dominate in the red zone; Jackson is a big time playmaker that can be utilized in many ways on the football field. His stock is quickly rising after a recent offer from Liberty, so watch out for this guy going forward as he is a breakout star in the making; Harper is yet another major playmaker that is elusive with speed to burn past defenders. He is a top target for his Hornets team and a guy that could earn a college spot with a big senior season.
GCA has two very talented wideouts in Browning and Addington that may be undersized but have the speed and big play abilities to cause problems for opposing defenses. Both fit the slot role perfectly and both should be major factors on offense towards the Rams making a deep playoff run; Faust is a fast and athletic receiver that could develop at multiple positions but his upside on the next level fits best in the slot. Watch out for this guy to be one of the top playmakers from the greater Knoxville region this Fall; Wynegar is a little known prospect that could be in store for a big senior year as the go to guy at wideout and someone with the size and skill set to make it into the college game.
(OL) Lance Williams Lance Williams 6'4" | 300 lbs | OL Alcoa | 2023 State TN (6’4 295) – Alcoa
(OL) Tyler Jeffries Tyler Jeffries 6'4" | 290 lbs | OL Alcoa | 2023 State TN (6’4 295) – Alcoa
(OL) Cal Grubbs Cal Grubbs 6'4" | 290 lbs | OL Maryville | 2023 State TN (6’4 285) – Maryville
(OL) Leo Gonzalez Leo Gonzalez 6'4" | 300 lbs | OL Lenoir City | 2023 State TN (6’4 300) – Lenoir City
(OL) Barrett Maddox Barrett Maddox 6'6" | 285 lbs | OL Clinton | 2023 State TN (6’6 285) – Clinton
(OL) Maxwell Hull Maxwell Hull 6'4" | 280 lbs | OL South Doyle | 2023 State TN (6’4 275) – South Doyle
(OL) Jahkye Irby Jahkye Irby 6'7" | 280 lbs | OL Powell | 2023 State TN (6’7 280) – Powell
(OL) Garrett Rice Garrett Rice 6'2" | 290 lbs | OL Karns | 2023 State TN (6’3 290) – Knox. Catholic
(OL) Henry Bertucci (6’4 260) – Knox. Catholic
(OL) Elijah Lawson Elijah Lawson 6'1" | 290 lbs | OL Greenbrier | 2023 TN (6’2 285) – Knox. Catholic
(OL) Zayne Sharpe Zayne Sharpe 6'2" | 290 lbs | OL Carter | 2023 TN (6’2 290) – Carter
(OL) Caleb Browder Caleb Browder 6'3" | 280 lbs | OL Northview Acad. | 2023 TN (6’3 280) – Northview Academy
(OL) Jones Conner Jones Conner 6'2" | 295 lbs | OL Knox. West | 2023 TN (6’2 295) – Knox. West
(OL) Andrew Denas Andrew Denas 6'2" | 280 lbs | OL South Doyle | 2023 TN (6’2 280) – South Doyle
(OL) Connor Hodge Connor Hodge 6'1" | 280 lbs | OL Knox. Halls | 2023 TN (6’1 280) – Knox. Halls
– This is the deepest position of any offense group from the Knoxville region with multiple Power Five talents leading the way; Alcoa has the top two and two of the best overall O-line prospects in the state with Williams and Jeffries. Both guys are maulers with mobility and position versatility. Williams is committed to Virginia Tech while Jeffries might soon follow him with his commitment to a Power Five program; Grubbs is considered the top center prospect in this state and one of the best in the country as well. He is a well balanced guy that does all little things right and performs at a high level on a consistent basis. The Rebels stud lineman will be making his commitment to a Power Five, D1 school later this month; If you’re looking for a hidden gem, look no further than Gonzalez as this guy can play and I think his best days are ahead of him. A pure guard with mobility, Gonzalez recently added his 1st offer from Austin Peay and many more are on its way.
Maddox has developed himself nicely over the past year and positioned himself as a possible D1 signee. He is big, long and has enhanced his athleticism and mobility this offseason very well, making himself a legit college recruit; Hull is a multi year starter that brings position versatility to the O-line and a frame that can take on more weight as he grows and matures; Irby is a dude that certainly has the D1 size that college coaches look for but he is still far from a finished product; Austin Peay has extended him an offer and expect many others to follow suit very soon; Knox. Catholic has one of the best O-line’s in the greater Knoxville area with Rice, Bertucci and Lawson leading the way; Rice and Lawson are interior, versatile blockers while Bertucci has the potential to play tackle on the next level but could certainly slide inside and perform quite well.
Sharpe and Browder are two interior blockers that are consistent performers that have the versatility and physicality to compete on the next level. Both these guys are under the radar talents that should play their ways into the college with strong senior seasons; Jones, Denas and Hodge are all three undersized interior linemen that help set the tone up front for their respective teams. All three are lower level college prospects at the moment that could play their way up this Fall season.
Best College Prospect: (OG) Lance Williams Lance Williams 6'4" | 300 lbs | OL Alcoa | 2023 State TN – Alcoa
Most Underrated: (QB) Charles Robinson Charles Robinson 6'1" | 165 lbs | QB Webb | 2023 TN , Jr – Knox. Webb
Top Playmaker: (RB) DeSean Bishop DeSean Bishop 5'11" | 190 lbs | RB Karns | 2023 State TN – Karns/(WR) Marcellus Jackson Marcellus Jackson 5'9" | 155 lbs | WR Fulton | 2023 State TN – Fulton
Defense
(DL) Caleb Graham Caleb Graham 6'2" | 260 lbs | DL Maryville | 2023 State TN (6’2 260) – Maryville
(DL) Riley Long Riley Long 6'2" | 230 lbs | DL Alcoa | 2023 State TN (6’3 235) – Alcoa
(DL) Luke Scott Luke Scott 6'4" | 230 lbs | DL Daniel Boone | 2023 State TN (6’4 220) – Daniel Boone
(DL) Braylon Oliver Braylon Oliver 6'3" | 210 lbs | LB Seymour | 2023 TN (6’3 235) – Seymour
(DL) Chris Hunter Chris Hunter 6'6" | 285 lbs | DL Karns | 2023 State TN (6’5 285) – Karns
(DL) Isaiah Sawyer Isaiah Sawyer 6'2" | 245 lbs | DL Seymour | 2023 TN (6’2 250) – Seymour
– This group isn’t as deep or talented as years past but these guys listed above all have college traits and upside. Graham is the top guy in this region at his position for the ‘23 class and someone that is building steam currently on the camp trail. The Rebels strong and active D-lineman is well balanced and shows upside as a versatile guy that can play a variety of roles inside the trenches; Long and Scott are two edge defenders with highly active motors that have a knack for consistently getting into the backfield. Both guys have had big offseason thus far and have positioned themselves to become college recruited prospects.
Oliver is an intriguing talent that doesn’t have a lot of buzz right now but has the physical traits and has shown on film the abilities to make it to the next level; Hunter is another interesting prospect that has great size, arm length and the physical upside to find his way into the college game. Both Oliver and Hunter will be two guys to watch and follow throughout the Fall season; Seymour Football has a nice 1-2 punch with Oliver and Sawyer. The versatile lineman fits well within a 3-4 defense, showing pass rush traits from either the edge or the interior.
(LB) Desmond Lockett Desmond Lockett 6'5" | 230 lbs | LB Karns | 2023 State TN (6’5 220) – Karns
(LB) Jackson Steele Jackson Steele 6'3" | 215 lbs | LB Carter | 2023 State TN (6’3 210) – Carter
(LB) Jason Manaker Jason Manaker 6'3" | 215 lbs | LB Maryville | 2023 State TN (6’3 215) – Maryville
(LB) Chase Adams Chase Adams 6'0" | 200 lbs | LB Knox. Central | 2023 TN (6’1 200) – Knox. Central
(LB) Jason Foust Jason Foust 6'0" | 195 lbs | LB Powell | 2023 TN (6’1 200) – Powell
(LB) Aaron Davis Aaron Davis 6'0" | 210 lbs | LB Alcoa | 2023 State TN (6’0 210) – Alcoa
(LB) John Carlevato John Carlevato 6'2" | 210 lbs | LB Knox. West | 2023 State TN (6’2 210) – Knox. West
(LB) Joey Bonifacio Joey Bonifacio 6'2" | 215 lbs | LB Knox. Webb | 2023 State TN (6’1 215) – Knox. Webb
(LB) Eli Davis Eli Davis 6'2" | 215 lbs | LB Anderson County | 2023 TN (6’2 220) – Anderson Co.
(LB) Peyton Cooper Peyton Cooper 5'11" | 215 lbs | LB Maryville | 2023 State TN (5’11 210) – Maryville
(LB) Carron Duffield Carron Duffield 6'0" | 220 lbs | LB Knox. Catholic | 2023 TN (6’0 220) – Knox. Catholic
(LB) Hagen Edwards Hagen Edwards 6'2" | 195 lbs | LB Daniel Boone | 2023 TN (6’2 195) – Daniel Boone
(LB) Eli Hames Eli Hames 6'3" | 205 lbs | LB Maryville | 2023 TN (6’3 205) – Maryville
(LB) Holden Rogers Holden Rogers 6'1" | 205 lbs | LB Bearden | 2023 TN (6’1 205) – Bearden
(LB) Blake Steed Blake Steed 6'1" | 205 lbs | LB Oak Ridge | 2023 TN (6’1 205) – Oak Ridge
– The East Tennessee region has three of the best edge rushers in this state for the ‘23 class in Lockett, Manaker and Adams. All three of these prospects specialize in playing the edge and getting after the quarterback. Lockett has the look and physical traits of a Power Five prospect but he still sits under the radar. Manaker is another underrated guy that is one of the fastest off the edge in this state. Adams is undersized but he plays much bigger and has a tenacious motor; Steele is a talented young man that could play multiple sports in college (football/baseball) so he is an athletic guy with size and smarts that is still waiting on that 1st offer; Powell has a good defense that is led by the play of Foust and he is a versatile guy that could play outside/in on the collegiate level. He does need more added weight but he is one of the better movers at the linebacker position in the state.
Alcoa consistently puts players into the college ranks on a yearly basis and Davis will be one of the next ones to make it there. The 6’0 thumper is vastly underrated and a guy that I think can reach the FCS level with a strong camp and Fall football season; Carlevato, Bonifacio and Davis are three equally talented guys ranging around the same size along with the physicality that collegiate coaches love working with. Carlevato is athletic and fierce while Bonifacio plays with high octane motor and Davis is instinctful, placing himself around the ball on a consistent basis; Scouts and coaches may look at Cooper and see his 5’11 stature as a negative but this dude can play and he can run as well. Look for the Rebels linebacker to turn some heads this summer camp season.
Duffield, Edwards, Hames, Rogers and Steed are all five under the radar linebackers that have the physical traits and size to reach the college game. All five are physical competitors and highly productive guys. Hames is the one linebacker mentioned here that can play outside and work the edge while the other four are in the box thumpers that excel competing against the run. All five listed here are All-Region, All-State contenders by season’s end.
(DB) Adarion Patton Adarion Patton 6'3" | 180 lbs | DB Bearden Highschool | 2023 State TN (6’3 180) – Bearden
(DB) Dylan Doerfler Dylan Doerfler 6'1" | 175 lbs | DB GCA | 2023 TN (6’1 180) – GCA
(DB) Jermaine Allen Jermaine Allen 6'2" | 180 lbs | DB Anderson Co. | 2023 State TN (6’2 180) – Anderson Co.
(DB) G.J. White G.J. White 5'9" | 175 lbs | DB Knox. Central | 2023 TN (5’9 175) – Knox. Central
(DB) Caleb Dunford Caleb Dunford 6'0" | 185 lbs | DB Maryville | 2023 TN (6’0 180) – Maryville
(DB) Cannon Johnson Cannon Johnson 5'10" | 180 lbs | DB Maryville | 2023 TN (5’10 180) – Maryville
(DB) Kash Altom Kash Altom 6'2" | 195 lbs | DB Carter | 2023 TN (6’2 195) – Carter
– This isn’t the deepest position group but the guys listed above all have a shot to make it into the college game one way or another with a few guys sporting the upside to reach the FCS level. Patton is the one guy above that has the size, length and athleticism to develop into a cover corner or free safety that plays up on either the D1 or FCS level. He needs more strength and time to develop but the potential is there; Doerfler is a rangy, athletic safety that can play either free or strong on the next level but is also a guy that is a team leader that provides steady play each and every game; Anderson Co. has an intriguing DB prospect in Allen that I feel could take his game to another level this Summer and Fall and place himself as a possible FCS prospect; White is a versatile, athletic defender that can play a variety of roles within the secondary; Maryville has a solid pair of safeties in Dunford and Johnson that will help lead the backend of the Rebels defense this season; Altom is a guy I was able to see recently at our #PRZTN Showcase and he definitely has the size and arm length to cause damage this season within the Hornets back end.
(Ath) Trevor Duncan Trevor Duncan 6'5" | 270 lbs | DL Knox. Catholic | 2023 State TN (6’5 275) – Knox. Catholic
(Ath) Elijah Rogers Elijah Rogers 6'1" | 190 lbs | DB Oak Ridge | 2023 State TN (6’1 190) – Oak Ridge
(Ath) Jordan Harris Jordan Harris 5'11" | 170 lbs | RB Alcoa | 2023 State TN (5’11 180) – Alcoa
(Ath) Cayden Latham Cayden Latham 5'10" | 170 lbs | DB Knox. West | 2023 State TN (5’10 170) – Knox. West
(Ath) Sam O’Leary Sam O’Leary 5'10" | 175 lbs | ATH Knox. Catholic | 2023 TN (5’10 175) – Knox. Catholic
(Ath) R.J. Brooks R.J. Brooks 6'3" | 240 lbs | TE Knox. West | 2023 State TN (6’3 245) – Knox. West
(Ath) Presean Brown Presean Brown 5'11" | 190 lbs | RB Bearden | 2023 TN (5’11 190) – Carter
(Ath) Hassan Al-Sultani Hassan Al-Sultani 6'1" | 180 lbs | DB Carter | 2023 TN (6’1 175) – Carter
(Ath) Joshua Purcell Joshua Purcell 6'3" | 175 lbs | ATH Knox. Central | 2023 TN (6’3 175) – Knox. Central
(Ath) Hayden Russell Hayden Russell 6'0" | 175 lbs | ATH Dobyns-Bennett | 2023 State TN (6’0 175) – Dobyns-Bennett
(Ath) Dinero Watts Dinero Watts 5'8" | 170 lbs | ATH Knox. Catholic | 2023 TN (5’8 170) – Knox. Catholic
– Currently committed to Tennessee, Duncan is the top two-way lineman in the state as a guy that could excel at a high level in Orange and White on either line of scrimmage. Duncan is a well put together young man with nice physical traits, mobility and upside to shine bright in the Southeastern Conference; Rogers has been a known name for a while now but for some reason he remains a bit under the radar when it comes to his recruitment. This 6’1 athletic two-way talent might fit best on defense in the secondary and he could boost his stock further with great showings this summer in college camps; Harris is one of the more underrated prospects in the entire state; He is a dynamic, big play athlete that has the versatility to develop on either side of the ball; Latham and O’Leary are two athletic prospects that could go both ways; I foresee Latham best over on offense at receiver while I like O’Leary more on defense in the secondary.
One of the top college prospects on the Knox. West team this year is Brooks and he is an intriguing talent that could develop on the next level at either tight end or defensive end; He is a physical dude that moves well for his size and competes through the whistle; Brown and Al-Sultani are two multi talented prospects for the Hornets that will be key factors to the team’s success this coming season; Both are possible FCS prospects will continued work and development; Purcell is another two-way guy that takes a lot of snaps on offense at receiver but from my scouting eyes, I see him fitting best in the secondary at defensive back; Russell is a name to watch going forward as he is an athletic guy that recently ran in the 4.4’s at a recent camp and should be a key factor for his Indians team this coming season; Watts is a small but athletic big play guy that will be asked to take on a big role for the Fighting Irish team this Fall.
Best College Prospect: (DL/OT) Trevor Duncan Trevor Duncan 6'5" | 270 lbs | DL Knox. Catholic | 2023 State TN – Knox. Catholic
Most Underrated: (LB/Edge) Desmond Lockett Desmond Lockett 6'5" | 230 lbs | LB Karns | 2023 State TN – Karns
Top Playmaker: (Ath) Jordan Harris Jordan Harris 5'11" | 170 lbs | RB Alcoa | 2023 State TN – Alcoa